Religious Studies | University of Lethbridge

Faculty of Arts & Science

Why is religion so prevalent? Are all faiths the same? What do they do for—and to—people? Are you fascinated by different ways of life? Do you want to learn more about other ways of understanding what it means to be human?

Journey into your passion in Religious Studies.

Faculty of Arts & ScienceReligious Studies

Religion has been around since before the dawn of history and has shaped every human society and culture from time immemorial—for better and for worse.

For many, religion shapes the very essence of what it means to be human. It takes on a dazzling array of forms and can impact virtually all aspects of a person’s life.

Religious Studies examines human response to life’s biggest questions. Every religious tradition answers questions about spirituality and meaning in a different way, setting out moral values and ethical guidelines for its followers.

As a Religious Studies student, you’ll do more than just examine the beliefs and practices of the world’s major religions. You’ll learn about the phenomenon of religion as a whole and explore the rich diversity of religious experience and expression in both Eastern and Western traditions, past and present.

You will also learn how different groups from around the world have responded to life’s crucial questions through their unique viewpoints. You’ll also delve into how these groups have developed socio-cultural knowledge by studying issues such as: belief, religious texts, worship, ritual, concepts of the divine, the human condition and the historical development of particular religions.

Religious Studies CoursesThe Department offers a major in Religious Studies for the 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs. Alternatively, you can choose to do a General Major in the Humanities and select Religious Studies as one of your three streams. You can also opt for Religious Studies as your BA major for the BA/BMgt program.

Religious Studies MinorAdd breadth and depth to virtually any program by including a Religious Studies minor in your degree. Doing so will undoubtedly widen your view of the world and add a different perspective to whatever major you are pursuing.

For more information on any of these degrees, see your Program Planning Guide or speak to an Academic Advisor.

As part of this program, courses are offered in the following areas:• The Hindu Tradition• The Buddhist Tradition• East Asian Religions• Ancient Religions & Mythology• Christianity• Comparative Religions• Islam• Judaism• The Bible

The Department of Religious Studies also encourages you to complete coursework in various other complementary disciplines, such as:• Anthropology• Archaeology• History• Native American Studies• Philosophy• Sociology

Honours ThesisIf your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree. Contact the Department for information.

What is Religious Studies About?

“Decisions about my future have been influenced by faculty members in the Religious Studies Department. They have piqued my interest in wanting to further explore the role that Religion plays in today’s global society.

Sumaiya Rizvi

“

Skills AcquiredIn addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills in the program, you will also develop your critical and analytical thinking skills, your information acquisition and management skills, as well as your attention to detail. You’ll also gain an in-depth understanding of a variety cultural norms and value systems. All of these abilities are highly sought after and can be applied to practically any working scenario.

Graduate StudiesResearch in Religious Studies is traditionally undertaken by students holding a Master’s Degree (MA) or a Doctorate (PhD). Your undergrad degree will prepare you for post-graduate studies, whether you choose to do your Master’s here at the University of Lethbridge or another institution anywhere in the world.

Professional DisciplinesYour Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies also provides an excellent foundation for Law, Journalism or Education.

Related FieldsThere are numerous career options open to Religious Studies graduates, some of which are:

• Counseling• Human Resources• Civil Service• Religious Organizations• Humanitarian Aid• Museum Curation • Genealogist

• Artist• Demographer• Clergy• Archivist• Creative Writer• Diplomatic Corp• Public Relations

What Are Your Future Prospects?

Our Faculty Members & Their ResearchFaculty members are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects and often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers. That gives you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience.

Current Research & Areas of Interest:• The Nature of Religiosity• The Early Roman Empire• Ancient Greek Language

Acquisition • New Religious Movements in

North America • Indian Religion, Philosophy &

Culture • Medieval & Modern Hinduism • Asian Religious Teachers &

Spiritual Seekers

• The Hindu Great Goddess Durga

• The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) • Japanese Religion & Culture• Modern Buddhism • Early Islamic Theology &

Philosophy• Early Sufism• Islamic Responses to Religious

Diversity• Buddhism in the West

ulethbridge.ca @ulethbridge.caJoin us online!

University of Lethbridge4401 University DriveLethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 403 380 [email protected]/religiousstudies

*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.

Put Your Knowledge to WorkWhether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the programs outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career—whatever direction you decide to go.

Research & Independent StudiesIn addition to your regular courses, you have the opportunity to participate in Independent Studies. You’re able to contribute to departmental activities by volunteering on research projects or through employment as a Research Assistant.

If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies. There are field school opportunities available in some disciplines, as well as many opportunities to study abroad.

For current Research or Independent Studies opportunities, contact the Department directly.

Applied StudiesApplied Studies is another special opportunity offered to all Arts & Science students as a way to earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or Community Service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information on Applied Studies, visit:ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education & InternshipsThe Faculty of Arts & Science is proud to offer you the chance to participate in our award-winning Co-op Program—the only one of its kind in Alberta. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a Co-op designation on yourdegree and, most importantly, a kick-start to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information on Co-operative Education & Internships, visit:ulethbridge.ca/coop/artsci

Academic AdvisingSU060Students’ Union Building403 329 [email protected]/artsci/advising